Question: My cat urinated on the rug. Should I be concerned?
Learning to observe and distinguish between what is normal and what is not normal behavior in animals that can't talk takes time and patience. The purpose of this article is to serve as a basic guideline to know when to consult your vet to see if an examination is in order.
You should always consult your veterinarian should you have any questions about your pet's health.
Answer: While cats have been known to urinate inappropriately to show their displeasure with a new pet, house guest, living situation, etc. I would recommend having your cat seen immediately by your veterinarian. Why? Because cats are prone to urinary infections, stones, and in some cases, urethral blockages.
Extra caution is advised for male (neutered or intact) cats. This is because male cats have a long, narrow (and curved) penis, which can accumulate fine silt or an actual stone that can become lodged there, blocking urine flow. This is a life-threatening condition that can result in death within 24-72 hours.
While your cat may not act like s/he is in a life-threatening situation, changes can occur rapidly, and time is important. Early signs seen with urethral/bladder problems include, but are not limited to:
- urinating in odd places
- straining in the litterbox, producing nothing (be aware - this is often confused with constipation!)
- licking genital area excessively
- crying when urinating or when picked up - painful belly (abdomen)
- not eating, vomiting
- lethargic
- hiding, not social
- going in/out of the litterbox often
